Anti-Tumor Power of Fucoidan
Angiogenesis Inhibition with Fucoidan: Malignant Tumor Degeneration and Metastasis Prevention
What is Angiogenesis and how does it benefit in the prevention and treatment of cancer?
Angiogenesis means the formation of new blood vessels from existing blood vessels. When we are injured, angiogenesis occurs to heal the wound. However, angiogenesis is also occurring in the process of cancer cell growth. A tumor grows from the formation of these new blood vessels. If Angiogenesis is inhibited, cancer cells cannot form new vessels and thus cannot grow. It has also been shown that cancer cells metastasize by utilizing new blood vessels. Once they have reached the bloodstream the cancer is able to spread into other areas of the body (metastasize). Therefore, inhibiting Angiogenesis prevents metastasis of cancer cells. |
The formation of new blood vessels is inhibited by Fucoidan thus preventing metastasis of cancer cells.
Experiments provided by NPO Research Institute of Fucoidan verify the angiogenesis-inhibiting activity of Mozuku-derived Fucoidan and Mekabu-derived Fucoidan using Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs).
Method of Experiment
Samples of Mozuku-derived Fucoidan and Mekabu derived Fucoidan prepared to different concentrations were added to Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) and the cells were cultured. As a control, Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS) was added to HUVECs and they were cultured.
Samples of Mozuku-derived Fucoidan and Mekabu derived Fucoidan prepared to different concentrations were added to Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) and the cells were cultured. As a control, Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS) was added to HUVECs and they were cultured.
Results
Both Mozuku-derived Fucoidan and Mekabu-derived Fucoidan inhibited Angiogenesis to different degrees according to their concentration. The Angiogenesis activity of Mekabu-derived Fucoidan was greater than that of Mozuku-derived Fucoidan.
Although the Angiogenesis Inhibiting activity from Mozuku-derived Fucoidan is much lower, its Apoptotic activity is much higher than that of Mekabu-derived Fucoidan. The combination of both Fucoidans contributes greatly to anti-cancer, anti-tumor, and metastasis prevention.
Both Mozuku-derived Fucoidan and Mekabu-derived Fucoidan inhibited Angiogenesis to different degrees according to their concentration. The Angiogenesis activity of Mekabu-derived Fucoidan was greater than that of Mozuku-derived Fucoidan.
Although the Angiogenesis Inhibiting activity from Mozuku-derived Fucoidan is much lower, its Apoptotic activity is much higher than that of Mekabu-derived Fucoidan. The combination of both Fucoidans contributes greatly to anti-cancer, anti-tumor, and metastasis prevention.
Mekabu Fucoidan Inhibits Angiogenesis and Prevents Metastasis
Mekabu (Wakame – Undaria pinnatifida) has been grown for hundreds of years in Japan, Korea, Argentina and it has been found in Tasmania, Australia. The brown alga, Undaria pinnatifida, is nutritious, having abundant protein, polysaccharide, and minerals.Undaria is the most commonly eaten seaweed in Japan, and contains sulfated polysaccharides and other components with anti-tumor and antiviral activity. Fucoidan from Undaria pinnatifida has also been studied for its positive effects on inhibition of Herpes. Besides being widely utilized as food, it has been used as alternative medicine.
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ApoptosisApoptosis is a genetically programmed mechanism of cell death. When certain stimulation is applied to a cell, its gene triggers the self-destruction device and the cell dies.
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Immune SupportImmunity-Enhancing Activity refers to an increase in the immunity. A leukocyte has monocyte, polymorph and lymphocyte, and they work effectively to support immune system. A polysaccharide stimulates intestinal immunity and activates its immune system.
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